Method of spraying turf and the like

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for spraying a predetermined mixture of liquid chemicals onto turf and the like. A small size panel truck is provided with a plurality of containers for housing liquid chemicals, a means for automatically mixing the chemicals in accordance with a predetermined selection, means for connecting an external water supply to the vehicle, and means for introducing chemicals into the water which is then ultimately applied to the turf or the like.

United States Patent 1 1 McVey 51 May 15, 1973 54] METHOD OF SPRAYINGTURF AND 3,101,902 8/1963 Chamberlain et al. ..239/310 THE LIKE3,592,385 7 1971 Smith ..239 10 3,592,386 7/1971 Tschudy, Jr... ..239/l01 lnvemorl James Mcvey, Y 3,464,626 9/1969 Stamps et al. ..239/10 [22]Filed: Mar. 12, 1971 Rrimary ExaminerLloyd L. King PP 123,630Attorney-Kenyon & Kenyon, Reilly Carr & Chapin Related U.S. AppllcatlonData ABSTRAcT [62] g g z g 811318 Apnl 1969 The disclosure relates to amethod and apparatus for spraying a predetermined mixture of liquidchemicals 52 U.S. l onto turf and the like A small Size panel truck is E1m vided with a plurality of containers for housing liquid [58] i 10 310chemicals, a means for automatically mixing the chemicals in accordancewith a predetermined selec- [56] Reerences Cited tion, means forconnecting an external water supply to the vehicle, and means forintroducing chemicals into UNITED STATES PATENTS the water which is thenultimately applied to the turf th l'k 2,760,820 8/1956 Cirese ..239/3l0or e l e 12 Claims, 1 Drawing Figure PATENTED HAY] 5l975 METHOD OFSPRAYING TURF AND THE LIKE This is a division of application Ser. No.811,918, filed Apr. 1, 1969 now US. Pat. No. 3,612,356.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a methodand apparatus for spraying turf and the like, and more particularly, toone wherein liquid chemicals are sprayed thereon.

Turf, shrubs, and other plants generally require the application offertilizers and different disease controllers in order to sustain thedesired appearance and growth.- A variety of different applicators havebeen proposed in the past. Generally, the applicators provide for directapplication of a granular material to the turf or plant being treated.This is particularly true in the case of the normal home lawn.Application of granular materials presents several drawbacks whencontrasted to the direct application of a liquid material. Firstly, thegranular material must be converted to a liquid form in order for theplant to be capable of accepting it into its root system. Thisnecessitates an additional watering operation after application of thegranular material. Secondly, the granular materials are considerablymore expensive than the equivalent liquid chemicals, sometimes exceedingthe cost of the liquid by more than five times. These drawbacks arefurther compounded by the fact that some of the chemicals are originallyproduced in a liquid form, then converted to a granular form so thatthey may be applied to the plant, and then must be reconverted back intoa liquid for the plant to accept the chemical.

Numerous devices exist in the prior art for applying chemicals toplants, the more common of which are directed to means for applyinggranular materials. More recently, it has been proposed to directlyapply the liquids to the plants from a vehicle. When services areprovided to the normal type of home lawn, industrial site, or golfcourse, these liquid applicating vehicles have been of an unduly largesize and present problems because of their excessive weight. Thisexcessive weight is the direct result of the large amount of watercarried in the vehicle and used in conjunction with the application ofthe chemicals. Further, these vehicles have been limited in that theyare provided with means for carrying only one type of chemical.Particularly when dealing with turf, several types of differentchemicals should be applied during various times of the growing season.For instance, different weed controllers are necessary during thedifferent seasons of the year. The prior art spraying vehicles requirethat the vehicle designated to service the particular lawn must oftenmake several trips in order to apply the different types of chemicalsnecessary. The method and apparatus proposed herein overcomes thedeficiencies of the prior art and provides for a small size vehiclecapable of servicing any particular lawn with a number of differentchemicals determined in accordance with the needs of that lawn.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A small size panel truck is provided whichcontains therein a water storage member, a plurality of containers forhousing different liquid chemicals a mixing means for blending theindividual chemicals into a substantially uniform mixture, a means forintroducing water into the storage member, means for withdrawing thewater from the storage member, and a means for introducing the mixedliquid chemicals into the water which is then subsequently applied tothe turf or the like. The vehicle is compact in size and does not becomeunduly heavy because of an excess water supply. In operation, the wateris introduced into the vehicle from an external source available at thesite of the lawn being treated. This permits the vehicle to be of asuffrciently small size so that local ordinances prohibiting large sizevehicles do not become a problem. Further, the vehicle, since itcontains facilities for carrying the different chemicals, is adapted totreat any type of lawn in accordance with its particular needs. Thislatter feature is particularly advantageous since the type of treatmentrequired is generally not determined until the service man inspects thelawn.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide asimple and compact vehicle for treating turf and the like.

It is a further object of this invention to provide means for applying aplurality of liquid chemicals to turf and the like.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a method andapparatus for applying liquid chemicals toturf and the like incombination with water supplied from a source external to the chemicalcontaining vehicle.

These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention willbecome more apparent from the following description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The drawing depicts a schematic typeperspective view of a vehicle containing a liquid chemical sprayingapparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to the drawing,the chemical spraying apparatus of this invention is contained in asmall size panel type truck indicated at 10. In the rear compartment ofthe truck 10 is contained a water storage tank 20 which is connected toa hose 21 by means of the tubular conduit 21a. The hose 21, which ismounted on a rotatable cylindrical drum 22, has its free end availableto be attached to any convenient water supply. The cylindrical drum 22is provided with a takeup mechanism 23 which permits automaticretraction of the hose 21 from its extended position. A check valve 24ais provided to insure that the water flow is permitted only in thedirection indicated and serves to preclude any backflow of water duringthe filling of the storage member 20. Storage member 20 also contains afloat 24 to stop the water flow when it has been filled. Containers 30,31, 32, 33 and 34 are provided to house the different liquid chemicalswhich are to be applied to the lawn. Each of the containers is vented toallow the liquid chemicals housed therein to be readily withdrawn. Eachcontainer has connected thereto a tubular conduit 35 which has mountedthereon a small pump 36 for transporting the liquid chemicals into themixing tank 37. The mixing tank 37 is provided with a drain 38 throughwhich any unused chemicals are readily flushed from the apparatus. Amixing or agitating mechanism is provided for the mixing container 37 bymeans of a small pump 40 having its inlet end connected to the mixingtank 37 as well as its discharge end. By operation of the pump 40, theliquid chemicals previously introduced into the mixing tank 37 areagitated and mixed by being passed through the pump in the direction ofthe arrows indicated.

A proportioning device is provided at 50 into which is introduced thepreviously mixed liquid chemicals from the tank 37 via conduit 51. Alsointroduced into the proportioning means 50 is a flow of water via theconduit 52. The water is removed from the storage member by the pump 53which in'turn is driven from the vehicles transmission by means of thepower takeoff unit 54. Included on the conduit 55, which connects thepump 53 to storage member 20, is another check valve 56 to insure thatno backflow of water is permitted. This is an additional safety measureto insure that the chemicals contained in the vehicle will not backflowthrough the system into the external water supply. As the pressurizedwater is passed through the proportioning means 50, it operates a watermotor which is internally connected to a pistontype injector pump. Theinjector pump intermittently injects the liquid chemicals into the waterstream and provides a thoroughly mixed chemical and water combination.One of the types of proportioning devices that has been found acceptableis the Smith Precision Co.,Newbury Park, Calif, Model R- 3, althoughother types may be substituted.

The combination of water and liquid chemical flows from theproportioning means 50 via the conduit 60 into the hose 61. Hose 61 isagain mounted on a rotatable cylindrical drum62, which has a takeupmechanism 63 for winding the hose onto the drum from its extendedposition. The hose 61 has its other end connected to a sprayingmechanism 70. The spraying mechanism 70 comprises a bent tube 71 whichis fixedly attached to a pair of wheels 72. At the free end of thetubular member 71 is a nozzle 73 which is directed toward the terrain orturf under treatment. A valve is provided at 74 which convenientlyallows the operator to turn the system on and off. A flow meter at 75may optionally be provided to provide the operator with information asto the quantity of chemicals applied to the terrain.

A control panel 80 is provided on the exterior of the truck 10. Thecontrol panel 80 is divided into five segments 81, 82, 83, 84 and 85.Each of these segments provides a control for the rate of flow from thefive different vented containers 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34 containing theliquid chemicals to be applied. For example, each of the containersrespectively is illustrated as containing a turf fertilizer, a weedcontrol, a fungus control, a crabgrass control, and a root zone control.In operation, the operator will set the calibrated dials to apreselected number which is in accordance with the amount of liquidchemicals to be applied to the particular lawn. Each of the calibrateddials is an electric timer which when set operates the pump 36associated with each container for a'predetermined amount of time. Bymeans of flow control valves in each of the conduits connecting thevented containers to the mixing tank, operation of the pump for anypredetermined amount of time will render a predetermined amount ofliquid chemical to be introduced into the mixing tank 37. Appropriatepilot lights are provided to give the operator an indication as to whichof the liquid chemicals are being introduced into the mixing tank 37. Aliquid sight gauge is provided at 90 so that the operator may readilysee the amount of liquid contained in a mixing tank 37 which is readyfor application on the lawn. Safety devices are also provided by meansof a lock 91 on the exterior control panel 80 so that when the operatoris treating the lawn the system may not be changed. A control button92for operating the agitating pump 40 is also provided on the exteriorcontrol panel so that any additional mixing of the chemicals may beprovided.

Operation of the system is illustrated as follows:

an operator drives the vehicle to the site of the particular lawn to betreated. In accordance with either the owners request or upon theoperators inspection of the site, a determination is made as to whichchemicals are to be applied to the lawn. The operator will in accordancewith this determination set the appropriate control dials on the controlpanel 80 to the predetermined quantity of chemicals necessary. He willthen connect the flexible hose 21 to a water supply available at thesite. This may be practically any type of water available. The storagemember 20 is thereby provided with additional water to insure that asufficient quantity is available to dilute the concentration liquidchemicals to be applied to the lawn. The liquid chemicals are pumpedinto the mixing tank 37 once the mechanism is activated. The operatorthen by pushing a button on the control panel may sufficiently agitatethe chemicals introduced into the mixing tank 37 to provide for auniform blend. The vehicle is maintained in the operating mode and thepump 53 is driven by the power takeoff unit 54 connected to the vehiclestransmission. The operator then simply removes the spraying means fromthe vehicle and walks along the terrain to be treated. By activating thevalve 74, liquid is applied to the areas across which he walks. Byrolling the spraying means across the entire lawn under treatment, hemay quickly and completely treat that area with a blend of each of theliquid chemicals necessary to adequately feed the lawn as well ascontrol any disease that may exist in the lawn.

As is readily seen from the foregoing description, the method andapparatus disclosed herein provides for a convenient, simple andinexpensive means for treating any desired lawn. The vehicle is small insize and is flexible in that it may apply variety of chemicals to thelawn under treatment. Further utilization of the invention describedherein may be made in applying chemicals to sidewalks during winter toprevent freezing, in the cleaning of buildings or other similarapplications.

Although the above description has been directed to a preferredembodiment of the invention, it is expressly understood that othervariations and modifications may be made without departing from thespirit and scope thereof.

What is claimed is:

1. A method of treating turf and the like with liquid chemicals whichcomprises the steps of:

a. introducing a supply of water into a storage member;

b. introducing a plurality of liquid chemicals which are to be appliedto the turf into a container;

c. mixing the plurality of liquid chemicals introduced into thecontainer;

d. removing a continuous flow of water from the storage member;

'e. replenishing at least a portion of the water removed from thestorage member to maintain the water content the rein sufficient totreat the turf;

f. injecting a predetermined quantity of the mixed liquid chemicals intothe continuous flow of water so that the desired ratio of chemical towater is attained; and

g. applying the water containing the previously injected liquidchemicals therein to the turf.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of introducing a supply ofwater into a storage member comprises connecting a supply of water tothe storage member and introducing water into the storage member toreplenish that removed in an amount sufficient to substantially maintainthe liquid content therein constant.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the plurality of liquid chemicalsintroduced into the container are introduced therein in predeterminedquantities.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of introducing a plurality ofliquid chemicals into a container includes introducing each of theliquid chemicals into the container for a predetermined time intervaland at a predetermined flow rate thereby introducing a predeterminedquantity of each liquid chemical into the container.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of re'mov ing a continuousflow of water from the storage member comprises pumping water from thestorage member at a predetermined flow rate and at a pressure sufficientto allow application thereof on the turf.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of mixing the plurality ofliquid chemicals introduced'into the container includes pumping theliquid chemicals out of the container and subsequently returning theliquid chemicals to the container under pressure to insure sufficientagitation and mixing thereof.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of applying the watercontaining the previously injected liquid chemicals therein to the turfcomprises passing a spraying means across confined areas of the terrainuntil substantially the entire terrain under treatment has been treatedwith the desired liquid chemicals.

8. A method of operating a machine for applying liquid chemicals to turfand the like which comprises the steps of:

a. connecting a supply of water to the machine;

b. introducing water into a storage member contained on the machine;

c. removing water from the storage member under pressure and at apredetermined rate of flow;

d. introducing a predetermined quantity of liquid chemical into thewater removed from the storage member;

e. replenishing the water removed from the storage member to maintainthe water content therein substantially constant; and

f. applying the water containing the liquid chemical introduced thereinto the turf.

9. A method in accordance with claim 8 which further includesintroducing a plurality of liquid chemicals into a container on themachine, mixing the plurality of liquid chemicals introduced into thecontainer, and introducing a predetermined quantity of the liquidchemicals into the water removed from the storage member.

10. A method in accordance with claim 9 wherein each of the plurality ofliquid chemicals introduced into the liquid container is introducedtherein for predetermined time intervals and at a predetermined flowrate thereby introducing a predetermined quantity of each liquidchemical into the container.

1 1. A method in accordance with claim 8 wherein the step of removingwater from the storage member includes pumping water from the storagemember at a predetermined flow rate and at a pressure sufficient toallow application thereof on the turf.

12. A method in accordance with claim 8 wherein the step of applyingwater containing the liquid chemical introduced therein to the turfcomprises passing a spraying means across confined areas of the terrainuntil substantially the entire terrain under treatment has been treatedwith the desired liquid chemicals.

1. A method of treating turf and the like with liquid chemicals whichcomprises the steps of: a. introducing a supply of water into a storagemember; b. introducing a plurality of liquid chemicals which are to beapplied to the turf into a container; c. mixing the plurality of liquidchemicals introduced into the container; d. removing a continuous flowof water from the storage member; e. replenishing at least a portion ofthe water removed from the storage member to maintain the water contenttherein sufficient to treat the turf; f. injecting a predeterminedquantity of the mixed liquid chemicals into the continuous flow of waterso that the desired ratio of chemical to water is attained; and g.applying the water containing the previously injected liquid chemicalstherein to the turf.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step ofintroducing a supply of water into a storage member comprises connectinga supply of water to the storage member and introducing water into thestorage member to replenish that removed in an amount sufficient tosubstantially maintain the liquid content therein constant.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the plurality of liquid chemicals introducedinto the container are introduced therein in predetermined quantities.4. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of introducing a plurality ofliquid chemicals into a container includes introducing each of theliquid chemicals into the container for a predetermined time intervaland at a predetermined flow rate thereby introducing a predeterminedquantity of each liquid chemical into the container.
 5. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the step of removing a continuous flow of water from thestorage member comprises pumping water from the storage member at apredetermined flow rate and at a pressure sufficient to allowapplication thereof on the turf.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein thestep of mixing the plurality of liquid chemicals intrOduced into thecontainer includes pumping the liquid chemicals out of the container andsubsequently returning the liquid chemicals to the container underpressure to insure sufficient agitation and mixing thereof.
 7. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the step of applying the water containing thepreviously injected liquid chemicals therein to the turf comprisespassing a spraying means across confined areas of the terrain untilsubstantially the entire terrain under treatment has been treated withthe desired liquid chemicals.
 8. A method of operating a machine forapplying liquid chemicals to turf and the like which comprises the stepsof: a. connecting a supply of water to the machine; b. introducing waterinto a storage member contained on the machine; c. removing water fromthe storage member under pressure and at a predetermined rate of flow;d. introducing a predetermined quantity of liquid chemical into thewater removed from the storage member; e. replenishing the water removedfrom the storage member to maintain the water content thereinsubstantially constant; and f. applying the water containing the liquidchemical introduced therein to the turf.
 9. A method in accordance withclaim 8 which further includes introducing a plurality of liquidchemicals into a container on the machine, mixing the plurality ofliquid chemicals introduced into the container, and introducing apredetermined quantity of the liquid chemicals into the water removedfrom the storage member.
 10. A method in accordance with claim 9 whereineach of the plurality of liquid chemicals introduced into the liquidcontainer is introduced therein for predetermined time intervals and ata predetermined flow rate thereby introducing a predetermined quantityof each liquid chemical into the container.
 11. A method in accordancewith claim 8 wherein the step of removing water from the storage memberincludes pumping water from the storage member at a predetermined flowrate and at a pressure sufficient to allow application thereof on theturf.
 12. A method in accordance with claim 8 wherein the step ofapplying water containing the liquid chemical introduced therein to theturf comprises passing a spraying means across confined areas of theterrain until substantially the entire terrain under treatment has beentreated with the desired liquid chemicals.